Story By: Melissa Martinez, Staff Writer
Photo By: Melissa Martinez
Cypress College students are continuing to deal with the heat both outside and inside the classroom as high temperatures persist across Southern California.
For some students, like Bella Effio, the heat began affecting classes almost immediately.
“My lab got cancelled, professor said it was too hot and made lab optional,” Effio said. “It was like that on Monday too, but Monday it was hotter. I felt like I couldn’t focus.”
Chris Molesky, a returning student, said the problem did not seem limited to the recent heat wave.
“I’m on the third floor, it’s tough in there, personally I’ve felt like classrooms have always been hot even last semester,” Molesky said.
The cooling issues become more challenging during periods of extreme heat, according to Marc Posner, the Cypress College Chief of Campus Communications.
Posner said the college’s air conditioning system is working, but during periods of extreme heat it must work harder to keep buildings cool. The STEM building presents an additional challenge because of the amount of cooling the building requires.
Unlike the residential air conditioning system, Cypress College uses a commercial cooling system with two chillers that distribute chilled water throughout campus. According to Posner, the system has limitations, particularly when temperatures rise and demand increases.
The college is now working on a longer-term solution to increase its cooling capacity. Posner confirmed improvements to the system are in the works, although he did not provide a specific timeline for when the cooling problems will be fully resolved.
“We’re working as fast as it goes,” Posner said, emphasizing that the college is trying to make classrooms cooler while working within the limitations of the current system.
In the meantime, the college can take smaller measures when temperatures rise, including moving classes to other buildings.
Posner also encouraged students to stay hydrated and dress appropriately for hot weather.
